Sink brace

ABSTRACT

A sink brace comprises a first shaft comprising a lip shaft, a mid-shaft, and an anchor shaft. A brace ridge couples to the lip shaft and is configured to couple to a sink lip of a sink. An anchor plate couples to the anchor shaft. The anchor plate comprises a plurality of attachment ports, and each attachment port is configured to receive a fastener. The first shaft, brace ridge, and anchor plate together form a direct connection between the sink lip and a wall.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the fields of building construction and maintenance and, in particular, to a sink brace system and method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For thousands of years, Humans have built and maintained structures in which we live and work. Each building serves one or more purposes, whether specific or general. For example, humans build residential structures to live in (a general purpose), typically for the specific purpose of one family (a house, for example) or many families (a condominium, for example) to use. Similarly, humans build commercial structures as workplaces (a general purpose), for a wide variety of enterprises from law firms to retail shopping stores to restaurants (specific purposes). The design and construction of most buildings follows its function or specific purpose.

In addition to whatever requirements arise from the general or specific purpose of the structure, safety is one factor that is consistently high on a list of design considerations. Especially for modern structures, the vast majority of all building designs feature safety, both to the humans and animals using the structure and to the structure itself. The emphasis on safety in building design and construction has been increasing over the last century in particular.

Even with a sustained emphasis on safety, frequently backed by local, state, and/or governmental regulation and enforcement, accidents still occur. In some cases, construction failures and other accidents occur as the direct result of negligence or malfeasance. In other cases, safety issues arise out of the intended and regulatory-compliant use, as an unforeseen consequence, such as with asbestos-related problems, for example. Such safety issues can remain hidden for years, undetected until revealed by one or more tragic mishaps.

In other cases, safety issues can arise from the otherwise routine use of ordinary products and methods, which are typically handled within a relatively small range of tolerances. Some of these cases are readily observable. For example, modern safe construction practices limit the spacing between support studs in a wall to a maximum distance, which in practice has developed into a requirement that such studs be placed more or less exactly 16 inches apart. Visual inspection can determine whether a stud is outside the tolerance distance from its neighbor.

Other routine-use safety issues are more difficult to observe. For example, one popular kitchen configuration is a marble or other high-grade stone countertop, with a deep sink fixed underneath a hole in the countertop that has been cut for that purpose. In many cases, the builder fixes the sink to the underside of the countertop with a strong adhesive, such as a two-part epoxy, for example. Such a two-part epoxy will usually hold the sink to the countertop under a sustained rated load, and the builder selects the appropriate epoxy based on the expected load. In some cases, a regulatory agency may specific the minimum rating for such an epoxy.

The effective epoxy rating, however, can deviate from the stated epoxy rating, and depends very much on the process used to mix the two-part epoxy. If the builder does not mix the epoxy within the necessary tolerances, the epoxy could fail to form a bond sufficient to hold a rated load. If the epoxy fails to form a sufficient bond, the sink might not stay fixed to the countertop, potentially causing an unstable and unsafe condition. That is, the constant strain of gravity and other forces acting on the bond can weaken it and cause it to fail unexpectedly. Unfortunately, there is no current or convenient mechanism to determine whether the epoxy was mixed properly, or whether the resultant bond is satisfactory.

FIG. 1 illustrates a common scenario highlighting the safety concerns attending the typical approach. More particularly, FIG. 1 is an expanded view of one typical configuration, system 100. System 100 includes a countertop 102, which defines an aperture 104. One skilled in the art will appreciate that countertop 102 can be constructed of a number of common building materials, including marble, granite, and other stone materials, as well as a number of other materials such as pressboard or laminate, for example. Additionally, one skilled in the art will recognize that aperture 104 can define a circular, rectangular, ovoid, or other similar opening.

In most cases, the expected sink determines the general shape of aperture 104. As shown, system 100 includes an otherwise conventional sink 110. Generally, sink 110 includes a plurality of concentrically arranged sidewalls 112 coupled to a bottom 114. Generally, the arrangement of sidewalls 112 influence the design of aperture 104 as the intended use is for a user to reach into sink 110 through aperture 104. Sidewalls 112 and bottom 114 are usually constructed from the same material, which in many cases is a variety of steel or ceramic material. In many cases, sidewalls 112 and bottom 114 are formed from a contiguous piece of shaped steel.

As shown, sink 110 includes a lip 116, extending radially from the end of the sidewalls 112 distal from bottom 114. Generally, lip 116 includes a lip surface 118. In one common method to attach sink 110 to countertop 102, a builder will mix a two-part epoxy, apply the mixed epoxy to lip surface 118, and abut lip surface 118 to the underside of countertop 102, aligned with aperture 104. The builder will hold the sink 110 in place through a variety of means, such as clamps or other suitable mechanisms, for the period required to allow the epoxy to set. As the epoxy sets, it forms a bond that holds sink 110 to countertop 102. Once the bond is set, the builder removes the stabilizing mechanisms and applies caulking or other waterproofing to the inner side of the annular seal formed by the sink 110 and aperture 104.

As described above, in some cases, the resultant bond formed by the epoxy is sometimes insufficient to hold the sink 110 fixed to countertop 102 under certain loads. This is a dangerous condition, and as such, in some cases, a builder will also install support beams, such as support beams 120 and 122, for example. As shown, each support beam fits under lip 116 and thereby sandwiches lip 116 between the support beam and countertop 102. The support beams are typically held in place by fasteners coupling each support beam 120, 122 to a front panel 124 and a rear wall 126. FIG. 1B shows a side view illustrating the typical configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, a system 150 includes a countertop 152 coupled to a sink 160. Sink 160 includes a lip 162, which, as shown, abuts on the bottom plane of countertop 152. As described above, a builder typically applies epoxy to fix lip 162 to countertop 152. Support beams 170 sit just underneath lip 162, assisting the epoxy in holding lip 162 to countertop 152.

So configured, one skilled in the art will note that the support beams 170 generally support the load of the sink 160 by direct opposition. That is, the sink (and anything in the sink, such as standing water, for example) is a load applied generally in the direction of arrow 180. As such, part of that load is distributed to the beams 170, as indicated by arrows 182. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1B, the ordinary loads and stresses caused by sink 160 also apply to the support beams 170, in the same direction, which diminishes the effectiveness of the beams 170 as a support mechanism. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the total seal strength fixing the sink 160 to countertop 152, is the sum of is the strength of the epoxy and the quality of the fasteners holding the support beams in place.

Even in such cases, however, the epoxy bond strength and the additional support provided by the support beams can be insufficient to withstand high loads. For example, where the epoxy bond is especially weak, a sink full of dishes and water can, in some cases, quickly exceed the combined seal strength, causing a failure. Configured as shown in FIG. 1B, a failure typically implies that the sink (and its contents) separate from the countertop completely, with the sink completely unsupported after a failure.

This kind of failure can be especially destructive, causing injury and damage to both the countertop 152 and any items stored under the sink. Moreover, where the sink couples to one or more plumbing attachments (such as a garbage disposal or drain pipe, for example), as is common, a complete separation of the sink 160 from countertop 152 can damage the plumbing system as well. Thus, while some modern safety solutions have enhanced the strength of the bond holding the sink to the countertop, a failure is often a catastrophic failure.

Therefore, there is a need for a system and/or method that addresses at least some of the problems and disadvantages associated with conventional systems and methods.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the embodiments disclosed and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments can be gained by taking into consideration the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

The aforementioned aspects and other objectives and advantages can now be achieved as described herein. A sink brace comprises a first shaft comprising a lip shaft, a mid-shaft, and an anchor shaft. A brace ridge couples to the lip shaft and is configured to couple to a sink lip of a sink. An anchor plate couples to the anchor shaft. The anchor plate comprises a plurality of attachment ports, and each attachment port is configured to receive a fastener. The first shaft, brace ridge, and anchor plate together form a direct connection between the sink lip and a wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the embodiments and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate block diagram showing a prior art system;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate high-level block diagrams showing an improved sink brace system, which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate high-level block diagrams showing an improved sink brace system, which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate high-level block diagrams showing an improved sink brace system, which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate high-level block diagrams showing an improved sink brace system, which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a high-level block diagram showing an improved sink brace system, which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a high-level block diagram showing an improved sink brace system, which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate at least one embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. While numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known elements have been illustrated in schematic or block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. Additionally, many modifications and variations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant arts.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 2A illustrates a high-level block diagram of an improved sink brace system 200. As shown, an otherwise conventional sink 210 couples to an otherwise conventional countertop 212. In one embodiment, sink 210 comprises a sink lip 214, which couples to the underside of countertop 212 by application of a high bond strength epoxy adhesive. In an alternate embodiment, an alternative adhesive couples lip 214 to countertop 212. Two walls 216 couple perpendicularly to countertop 212. One skilled in the art will understand that walls 216 often define and partially enclose a cupboard or other cabinet space in the area beneath the countertop.

As illustrated, system 200 includes two braces 200. Each brace 200 comprises a brace ridge 222, one or more brace shafts 224, and a brace anchor 226. Generally, brace 200 couples to sink 210 and sidewall 216 such that brace ridge 222 connects to sink 210 at or near the intersection of lip 214 with the sidewall of sink 210. Brace 200 also couples to wall 216 such that brace anchor 226 remains in a fixed position on wall 216 when brace ridge 222 is touching the intersection of lip 214 with the sidewall of sink 210.

So configured, the ordinary loads applied to sink 210 generally apply force in the direction of arrow “A”. The load force also applies to the braces 200, from sink 210 to brace ridge 222 through brace shaft 224 to brace anchor 226 and thence to wall 216. The novel configuration illustrated thus disperses some of the load force in the directions of arrows “B” and “B′”. As such, increased load in the direction of arrow “A” tends to increase the strength of the support provided by braces 200, which is an improvement over the prior art approaches.

FIG. 2B illustrates a high-level block diagram of an improved sink brace system 201, in side view. As shown, sink 210 couples to countertop 212. A brace 220 supports sink 210 and couples to sink 210 at ridge 222. In the illustrated embodiment, brace 220 includes two shafts 224, each of which couple at one end at ridge 222, and at the other end to an anchor place 226. Thus, brace 220 receives load force from sink 210 at ridge 222, and distributes received force through shafts 224 to anchor plate 226. In one embodiment, anchor plate 226 couples to a wall (not shown) in a fixed position, as described in more detail below.

Thus, generally, brace 200 provides improved support to sink 210, reducing the probability that a failure in the bond fixing the sink 210 to countertop 212 will escalate into a catastrophic failure. Instead, should the bond between sink 210 and countertop 212 fail, braces 200 can be configured to sustain the load of sink 210 (and its contents). In one embodiment, braces 200 are constructed so as to sustain the rated load indefinitely, thereby operating as an alternate mechanism to fix sink 210 to countertop 212. In an alternate embodiment, braces 200 support sink 210 so as to minimize damage caused by a bond failure, and to facilitate repair of the bond fixing sink 210 to countertop 212. Various configuration options follow, and are not exhaustive.

FIG. 3A illustrates a side view block drawing of a brace system 300. Brace system 300 includes a brace 320 coupled to a sink 310. Sink 310 is an otherwise conventional sink, comprising a sidewall 312 and a lip 314. Brace 320 includes a shaft 322, anchor plate 324, and ridge 326. As illustrated, shaft 322 includes a general s-shape configuration and comprises a lip shaft 330, mid-shaft 332, and an anchor shaft 334. In one embodiment, lip shaft 330, mid-shaft 332, and anchor shaft 334 are all constructed from the same material, which is one embodiment is a contiguous steel bar.

Generally, lip shaft 330 couples to ridge 326. As shown, lip shaft 330 includes a shaft end 336, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is generally a flat end. As such, the coupling between shaft end 336 and ridge 326 forms a weld cavity 338. In one embodiment, weld cavity 338 comprises a weld fixing shaft end 336 to ridge 326. In an alternate embodiment, shaft end 336 is tapered to seat in ridge 326.

In particular, in one embodiment, ridge 326 comprises a ridge top 340 and a ridge side 342. In one embodiment, ridge top 340 and ridge side 342 are coupled together to form a right angle. In an alternate embodiment, ridge top 340 and ridge side 342 are coupled together to form commensurate with the angle formed by sink lip 314 and sink sidewall 312. In one embodiment, ridge top 340 and ridge side 342 are metal strips welded together along a common edge. In an alternate embodiment, a single metal strip forms both ridge top 340 and ridge side 342.

In the illustrated embodiment, lip shaft 330 couples to mid-shaft 332. In one embodiment, lip shaft 330 is substantially straight, and mid-shaft 332 is substantially curved, providing the general s-shape of shaft 320. In an alternate embodiment, the general s-shape of shaft 320 extends across lip shaft 330 and mid-shaft 332.

Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, anchor shaft 334 couples to mid-shaft 332. In one embodiment, anchor shaft 334 is substantially straight, and mid-shaft 332 is substantially curved, providing the general s-shape of shaft 320. In an alternate embodiment, the general s-shape of shaft 320 extends across anchor shaft 334 and mid-shaft 332.

Anchor shaft 334 couples to anchor plate 324. In one embodiment, anchor plate 324 is a metal plate. In one embodiment, anchor plate 324 is approximately ⅛ inch thick. Generally, anchor plate 324 couples to a wall (not shown), by one or more anchor fasteners 344. One skilled in the art will understand that anchor fasteners 344 can be a wide variety of conventional fasteners configurable to mount a bracket or plate to a wall.

Thus, as shown, brace 320 couples to sink 310 through a friction abutment between ridge 326 and a corner formed by lip 314 and sidewall 312. Force from a load applied to sink 310 transfers (in part) to brace 320 through ridge 326, into shaft 322. Shaft 322 passes received force into and through anchor plate 324, which is secured in a stable position in a wall (not shown).

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view block drawing of brace system 300. Brace system 300 includes a brace 320. In the illustrated embodiment, brace 320 includes two shafts 322 coupling ridge 326 to anchor plate 324. As shown, ridge 326 extends a distance 350 past the region in which ridge 326 couples to shaft 322. Similarly, the shafts 322 couple to ridge 326 at a distance 352 apart from one another. One skilled in the art will understand that distances 350 and 352 can be configured based on the size of the sink to which brace 320 will attach, as well as the expected load, and other suitable factors.

In the illustrated embodiment, anchor plate 324 includes a plurality of anchor attachment ports 348. Generally, ports 348 are configured as apertures in anchor plate 324, and receive a fastener that couples anchor plate 324 to a wall, as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, anchor plate 324 includes four ports 348. One skilled in the art will understand that an alternate number of ports 348 can be employed. As shown, the ports 348 near the ends of anchor plate 324 are disposed a distance 354 from the ends of anchor plate 324. Likewise, the ports 348 nearest to a shaft 322 are disposed a distance 356 from shaft 322. Similarly, the ports 348 near the center of anchor plate 348 are disposed a distance 358 from each other. One skilled in the art will understand that distances 354, 356, and 358 can be configured based on the size of the sink to which brace 320 will attach, as well as the expected load the sink will bear, and other suitable factors.

FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective view of brace 320, in one configuration and is offered to supplement the preceding FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 4A illustrates an alternate embodiment.

Specifically, FIG. 4A is a side view block diagram of a brace system 400, which includes brace 410. Brace 410 includes ridge 412, shaft 414, and anchor plate 416. In the illustrated embodiment, ridge 412 includes ridge top 420 and ridge side 422, which are configured similarly to ridge top 340 and ridge side 342 of FIG. 3A. Ridge 412 couples to shaft 414.

In particular, shaft 414 includes lip shaft 430, which couples to ridge 412. Lip shaft 430 couples to upper mid-shaft 432. In the illustrated embodiment, lip shaft 430 couples to upper mid-shaft 342 at an angle 460. As shown, upper mid-shaft 432 includes a plurality of inner extension ports 450, and slidably couples to lower mid-shaft 434. Generally, each port 450 comprises an axial passage through upper mid-shaft 432. In one embodiment, each port 450 is parallel to every other port 450.

Lower mid-shaft 434 includes a plurality of outer extension ports 452. Generally, each port 452 comprises an axial passage through lower mid-shaft 432. In one embodiment, each port 452 is parallel to every other port 452. Generally, lower mid-shaft 434 is at least partially hollow and configured to receive upper mid-shaft 432. Thus, shaft 414 can be lengthened or shortened by sliding upper mid-shaft 432 into (or out of) lower mid-shaft 434. In one embodiment, ports 450 and ports 452 are configured to be aligned and to receive a pin 454. Pin 454 passes through an entrance to outer port 452, an entrance to an inner port 450 aligned with the outer port 452, the exit of the inner port 450, through the exit of the outer port 452. So configured, the resultant length of shaft 414 can be fixed. Thus, a builder employing brace 410 can adjust the shaft 414 length according to the distance between the sink and the wall in the environment where brace 410 is to be deployed.

As shown, lower mid-shaft 434 couples to anchor shaft 436. In the illustrated embodiment, lower mid-shaft 434 couples to anchor shaft 436 at angle 462. In addition to varying the length of shaft 414, angle 460 and angle 462 can be adjusted based on the distance between the sink and the wall, the expected rated load, and other factors, in the environment where brace 410 is to be deployed.

FIG. 4B illustrates a side view block drawing of brace system 400 and brace 410. In the illustrated embodiment, brace 410 includes two shafts 422 (422 a and 422 b) that couple ridge 412 to anchor plate 416. As shown, ridge 412 extends a distance past the region in which ridge 412 couples to shaft 422.

In the illustrated embodiment, shaft 422 a includes an upper mid-shaft 432 configured to fit inside a partially (or completely) hollow lower mid-shaft 434. Also shown are some exemplary mechanisms to couple upper mid-shaft 432 to lower mid-shaft 434. In one embodiment, a rivet-type fastener 470 pierces shaft 434 at port 452 and pierces shaft 432 at port 450, which is aligned with port 452. In an alternate embodiment, cotter pin 472 pierces the mid-shafts, holding the shafts 432 and 434 in place.

In the illustrated alternate embodiment, shaft 422 b includes a lower mid-shaft 434 configured to fit inside a partially (or completely) hollow upper mid-shaft 432. In one embodiment, a screw-type fastener 474 pierces shaft 434 at port 452 and pierces shaft 432 at port 450, which is aligned with port 452. In one embodiment, fastener 474 couples to a washer 480. In an alternate embodiment, fastener 476 pierces only lower mid-shaft 434, with upper mid-shaft 432 resting on the fastener 476, thereby prevented from moving past fastener 476 in the direction of arrow 478. Thus, FIG. 4B illustrates a variety of configuration alternatives that provide stability and flexibility to brace 410. As such, a builder can size brace 410 according to the specific environment in which brace 410 will be deployed.

FIG. 4C illustrates a perspective view of brace 410, in one configuration and is offered to supplement the preceding FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 5A illustrates an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 5A illustrates a side view block drawing of a brace system 500. Brace system 500 includes a brace 520 coupled to a sink 510. Sink 510 is an otherwise conventional sink, comprising a sidewall 512 and a lip 514. Brace 520 includes a shaft 522, anchor plate 524 and ridge 526. As illustrated, shaft 522 includes a generally straight-line configuration and comprises a lip shaft 530, mid-shaft 532, and an anchor shaft 534. In one embodiment, lip shaft 530, mid-shaft 532, and anchor shaft 534 are all constructed from the same material, which is one embodiment is a contiguous steel bar. In an alternate embodiment, mid-shaft 532 comprises an upper mid-shaft and a lower mid-shaft, configured as shown above, with respect to FIGS. 4A-C, but arranged to maintain the generally straight-line configuration.

Generally, lip shaft 530 couples to ridge 526. As shown, lip shaft 530 includes a shaft end, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is generally a crescent-shaped end. In an alternate embodiment, the lip shaft 530 shaft end is a flat end. In the illustrated embodiment, ridge 526 comprises a rounded bar configured to seat in a crescent-shaped end of lip shaft 530. In one embodiment, ridge 526 is configured to fit close to the origin point of the angle formed by sink lip 514 and sink sidewall 512. So configured, ridge 526 can couple more effectively to some sinks than a corresponding angular ridge.

In the illustrated embodiment, anchor shaft 534 includes a rounded tail 540 that couples to anchor plate 524. In the illustrated embodiment, anchor plate 524 includes a plurality of pin walls 542, generally grouped in pairs. Generally, each pin wall 543 extends outward from anchor plate 542 in the perpendicular (and therefore usually horizontal) direction. In one embodiment, pin wall 542 is constructed of the same material as anchor plate 524.

As shown, pin wall 542 includes pin port 544. In one embodiment, pin port 544 is an aperture configured to receive an otherwise conventional fastener. Generally, as described in more detail below, a fastener passes through the pin port 544 of one pin wall 542, pierces anchor shaft 534, and passes through the pin port 544 of the pair-companion pin wall 542, thereby coupling shaft 522 to anchor plate 524. In an alternate embodiment, anchor shaft 534 includes a forked tail, and pin wall 542 serves as a tine in a fork-and-tine coupling.

In one embodiment, anchor plate 524 is a metal plate. Generally, anchor plate 524 couples to a wall (not shown), by one or more anchor fasteners (not shown). One skilled in the art will understand that the anchor fasteners can be a wide variety of conventional fasteners configurable to mount a bracket or plate to a wall.

Thus, as shown, brace 520 couples to sink 510 through a friction abutment between ridge 526 and a corner formed by lip 514 and sidewall 512. Force from a load applied to sink 510 transfers (in part) to brace 520 through ridge 526, into shaft 522. Shaft 522 passes received force into and through anchor plate 524, which is secured in a stable position in a wall (not shown).

FIG. 5B illustrates a side view block drawing of brace system 500. Brace system 500 includes a brace 520. In the illustrated embodiment, brace 520 includes two shafts 522 coupling ridge 526 to anchor plate 524. As shown, ridge 526 extends a distance past the region in which ridge 526 couples to shaft 522. One skilled in the art will understand that this distance, as well as the number of and separation between multiple shafts 522, can be configured based on the size of the sink to which brace 520 will attach, as well as the expected load, and other suitable factors. Additionally, in one embodiment, ridge 526 and anchor plate 524 are configured to be approximately the same length. In an alternate embodiment, ridge 526 can be configured longer than anchor plate 524.

As described above, anchor plate 524 includes a plurality of pin walls 542, which, in one embodiment, are arranged in pairs. As shown, an anchor pin 560 passes through a first pin wall 542, piercing shaft 522 at port 546, and passes through a second pin wall 542. In one embodiment, a retaining ring 562 couples to pin 560. Thus, in one embodiment, shaft 522 pivotably couples to anchor plate 524. So configured, the angle between anchor plate 524 and the sink to which brace 520 couples can be adjusted, based on a variety of factors, such as the distance between the sink sidewall and anchor plate 542, the expected load, and other suitable factors.

In one embodiment, ridge 526 is a cylindrical bar ⅜ inch in diameter and 10 inches long. In one embodiment, brace 520 includes two shafts 522 and each shaft 522 is a cylindrical bar ⅜ inch in diameter and 11⅝ inches long. In one embodiment, pin wall 542 extends ¾ of an inch outward from anchor plate 524. In one embodiment, anchor plate 524 is ¾ inches wide, 7 inches long, and ⅛ inches thick. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the above dimensions can be adjusted to account for variances in the operating environment, such as, for example, the size of the sink, the width of the sink rim, the distance between the sink and the sidewall, the expected load, and other suitable factors.

FIG. 5C illustrates a perspective view of brace 520, in one configuration and is offered to supplement the preceding FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view block drawing of brace system 600. Brace system 600 includes a brace 620. In the illustrated embodiment, brace 620 includes three shafts 622 coupling ridge 626 to anchor plate 624. As shown, ridge 626 extends a distance 650 past the region in which ridge 626 couples to shaft 622. Similarly, the shafts 622 couple to ridge 626 at a distance 652 apart from one another. One skilled in the art will understand that distances 650 and 652 can be configured based on the size of the sink to which brace 620 will attach, as well as the expected load, and other suitable factors.

In the illustrated embodiment, anchor plate 624 includes a plurality of anchor attachment ports 628. Generally, ports 628 are configured as apertures in anchor plate 624, and receive a fastener that couples anchor plate 624 to a wall, as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, anchor plate 624 includes four ports 628. One skilled in the art will understand that an alternate number of ports 628 (with corresponding fasteners) can also be employed based on the size of the sink to which brace 620 will attach, as well as the expected load the sink will bear, and other suitable factors.

FIG. 7 is a side view block diagram of a brace system 700, which includes brace 720. Brace 720 includes ridge 726, shaft 722, and anchor plate 726, configured substantially as described above with respect to FIG. 4B. In particular, shaft 722 includes lip shaft 730, which couples to ridge 726. Lip shaft 730 couples to mid-shaft 732. In the illustrated embodiment, lip shaft 730 couples to mid-shaft 732 at an angle 740. One skilled in the art will appreciate that angle 740 is oriented generally in the reverse direction from angle 460 of FIG. 4B.

Similarly, mid-shaft 732 couples to anchor shaft 734. In the illustrated embodiment, mid-shaft 732 couples to anchor shaft 734 at angle 742. One skilled in the art will appreciate that angle 742 is oriented generally in the reverse direction from angle 462 of FIG. 4B. As described above, in one embodiment angle 740 and angle 742 can be adjusted based on the distance between the sink and the wall, the expected rated load, and other factors, in the environment where brace 720 is to be deployed.

Thus, as generally described above, the embodiments disclosed herein provide numerous technical advantages over prior art systems and methods. For example, in one embodiment, the disclosed braces distribute the ordinary load forces applied to a typical sink so as to improve the stability of the coupling linking the sink to the countertop. That is, in one embodiment, the ordinary load forces cause the embodiments disclosed herein to strengthen the sink support-added force makes a stronger support, and additional force (to a point) improves the fit and stability of the braces.

Additionally, the embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to existing sink configurations with minimal damage to installed components. In prior art systems, the support beams of the prior art are typically install before the countertop. But the embodiments disclosed herein can be installed in typical environments long after the original construction of the sink/countertop fixtures. As such, the disclosed embodiments can improve the safety and stability of both new systems and previously existing systems.

Additionally, the disclosed embodiments provide a relatively cost-effective solution to adding stability and support to installed sinks. For example, some prior art solutions must be installed concurrently with the sink and countertop, or require disassembling previously installed fixtures. But in many cases, removing the sink from the countertop requires heating the adhesive to loosen the bond, which often causes significant damage to the countertop. The disclosed embodiments, however, can be employed after the initial installation, which eliminates a significant labor (and possibly materials) cost.

Moreover, the disclosed embodiments can help mitigate damage from a failure, preventing a failure from developing into a catastrophic failure. As described above, the embodiments disclosed herein can be configured to support a sink even after the bond coupling the sink to the countertop fails. In some embodiments, the braces disclosed herein can be configured to bear the entire rated load of the sink (and its contents). As such, the disclosed embodiments can preserve the spatial relation of the sink to the countertop, which in some cases can be sufficient to repair a failed bond without requiring removal and reinstallation.

One skilled in the art will appreciate the embodiments disclosed above, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Additionally, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 

1. A sink brace, comprising: a first shaft, wherein the shaft comprises a lip shaft, a mid-shaft, and an anchor shaft; a brace ridge coupled to the lip shaft, wherein the brace ridge is configured to couple to a sink lip of a sink; an anchor plate coupled to the anchor shaft, the anchor plate comprising a plurality of attachment ports, each attachment port configured to receive a fastener; wherein the first shaft, brace ridge, and anchor plate together form a direct connection between the sink lip and a wall.
 2. The sink brace of claim 1: wherein the brace ridge comprises a ridge guide coupled to an end of the lip shaft distal to the anchor plate, the ridge guide comprising a ridge top and a ridge side; wherein the ridge top is configured to abut an underside of the sink lip; and wherein the ridge side is configured to abut a sidewall of the sink.
 3. The sink brace of claim 1, wherein the brace ridge comprises a crossbar.
 4. The sink brace of claim 3, wherein the crossbar comprises a cylindrical bar.
 5. The sink brace of claim 1, further comprising a second shaft, the second shaft disposed parallel to the first shaft and comprising a second ridge guide coupled to the brace ridge and the anchor plate.
 6. The sink brace of claim 5, further comprising a third shaft, the third shaft disposed parallel to the first shaft and the second shaft and comprising a third ridge guide coupled to the brace ridge and the anchor plate.
 7. The sink brace of claim 1, wherein the mid-shaft comprises: an upper mid-shaft coupled to the lip shaft, the upper mid-shaft comprising a plurality of extension ports; a lower mid-shaft coupled to the anchor shaft, the lower mid-shaft comprising a plurality of extension ports; and a fastener coupling the upper mid-shaft to the lower mid-shaft.
 8. The sink brace of claim 7, wherein the fastener pierces the lower mid-shaft.
 9. The sink brace of claim 7, wherein the fastener pierces the lower mid-shaft and the upper mid-shaft.
 10. The sink brace of claim 7, wherein the fastener is a cotter pin.
 11. The sink brace of claim 7, wherein the fastener is a rivet.
 12. The sink brace of claim 7, wherein the fastener is a screw.
 13. The sink brace of claim 1, wherein the anchor plate further comprises a plurality of pin walls arranged in pairs and further comprising a fastener coupling at least one pin wall to the anchor shaft.
 14. The sink brace of claim 1, wherein the first shaft is substantially straight.
 15. The sink brace of claim 1, wherein the first shaft is curved in a slight s-shape.
 16. A sink brace, comprising: a brace ridge comprising a cylindrical bar, the brace ridge configured to abut simultaneously a sink lip of a sink and a sink sidewall of the sink; wherein the sink lip couples to a countertop oriented in a first plane; a first brace shaft coupled to the brace ridge comprising a first cylindrical bar, the first cylindrical bar comprising a first shaft end and a second shaft end; wherein the first shaft end is configured in a substantially crescent shape and is configured to seat the brace ridge; a second brace shaft coupled to the brace ridge, oriented substantially in parallel to the first brace shaft, comprising a second cylindrical bar, the second cylindrical bar comprising a third shaft end and a fourth shaft end; wherein the third shaft end is configured in a substantially crescent shape and is configured to seat the brace ridge; an anchor plate comprising a first pair of pin walls and a second pair of pin walls; wherein the first pair of pin walls couple to the second shaft end; wherein the second pair of pin walls couple to the fourth shaft end; wherein the anchor plate couples to a wall; and wherein the wall couples to the countertop perpendicular to the first plane. 